The Waterbird Society offers three grants to advance the biology, ecology, or conservation biology of wading birds. The Kushlan award (herons, egrets, storks, ibises, and spoonbills) is a maximum of US$7 thousand; the Niblet award (terns or gulls) is up to US$1 thousand, and the Waterbird Society Research Award of US$3 thousand covers basic research on species not covered by other Waterbird Society grants. These awards are open globally to professionals, amateurs, and students of any age. The deadline for proposals is 01 February each year. Find the research grants
biology
Leakey Foundation — Fellowships for Paleoanthropology and Primatology Students
The Leakey Foundation makes the Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowships to help students from developing countries get advanced education and training in paleoanthropology and primatology. Applicants should already be enrolled or provisionally accepted in a graduate program related to human origins and evolution. A fellowship provides for two years of support. The maximum award is US$15 thousand per year. The program has an annual deadline for new applications, and a different application process and deadline to apply for second-year renewals. The deadline for new applicants is 15 February 2026. (Note: The deadline for returning applicants is 01 March.) See this fellowship
European Space Agency — Living Planet Fellowship 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites young researchers to submit research proposals for the Living Planet Fellowship 2018. Eligible research areas are (1) Advancing Novel Methods and Techniques; and (2) Advancing Earth System Science. ESA will support up to 10 Post-Doctoral researchers to carry out a research project at a Host Institution in an eligible ESA Member State. The deadline for submitting proposals and supporting documents is 14 November 2025. Know more
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship
In collaboration with UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) sponsors a PhD Scholarship for up to 40 students/scholars from developing countries to study in China for up to 4 years. TWAS will provide travel support and a monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living expenses. Applicants must be residents and nationals of a developing country (except China). The call for applications is open until 31 January 2026. TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship
Ghent University — Special Research Fund
Ghent University grants PhD “sandwich” scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University. The candidate must have full-time funding for the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South. Research proposals must be jointly submitted by a candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university. The deadline for scholarship applications is 17 February 2026. Special Research Fund
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Women in STEM
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is open to female citizens from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal for SI Scholarships is open from 09-25 February 2026. Pioneering Women in STEM
TED-Ed — Earth School
Earth School consists of 30 days of nature-focused content for learners of all ages. Each Quest includes videos and a quiz, combined with a series of engaging learning resources curated by environmental experts. Teachers and parents are invited to use these lessons and activities to keep their students and kids engaged and connected to the outside world. Lessons are free and accessible anytime. Link to Earth School
Roger Williams Park Zoo — Danforth Conservation Grants
The Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund makes grants of up to US$1 thousand to protect threatened wildlife and habitats worldwide. Priority is for projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to ecosystem conservation, and that involve in-country collaborators. Projects must directly affect biological conservation. Applicants can be of any nationality but must be associated with an organization (non-profit, university, etc.) through which they can receive funding. The application deadline is 01 January 2026. About the conservation grants
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 28 January 2026. iF Student Design Award
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 17 October 2025. Commonwealth Youth Awards